January award winners confirmed

Nicky Ajose has been chosen as the January 2014 League One Player of the Month, beating Rotherham United loanee James Tavernier in the process.

Tavernier had an excellent month including a standout performance in the Millers’ 3-0 victory at Shrewsbury Town where he played a part in all three goals, including netting the final one with an expertly-taken chip over goalkeeper Chris Weale.

The full-back also penned an extension to his loan deal from Newcastle United that will see him stay at New York Stadium until the end of the current campaign.

Russell Slade collected the managerial accolade after seeing his side lose just one league game since the start of the year, that game being against the Millers last week.

Meanwhile, former favourite Adam Le Fondre scooped the Championship Player of the Month award after hitting two hat-tricks in just 10 days.

Sky Bet Championship

Manager – Nigel Pearson, Leicester City FC

Player – Adam Le Fondre, Reading FC

Sky Bet League 1

Manager – Russell Slade, Leyton Orient FC

Player – Nicky Ajose, Peterborough United FC

Sky Bet League 2

Manager – Graham Alexander, Fleetwood Town FC

Player – Ryan Clarke, Oxford United FC

The judging panel for the Sky Bet Manager of the Month comprises massively experienced Football League manager Dave Bassett; Sky Sports Football League expert Don Goodman; Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson; League Managers’ Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Head of Football Paul Wiggins.

The judging panel for the Sky Bet Player of the Month comprises Sky Sports Football League expert Don Goodman; Football League Head of Communications John Nagle; League Managers Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Head of Football Paul Wiggins.

James Tavernier's performance in the Millers' 3-0 victory at Shrewsbury Town